ADULT SUNDAY SCHOOL FOR SPRING 2010

Adult Sunday School classes start at 11am. These classes are a great way to nourish your faith and to become better acquainted with fellow believers. Please feel free to join them even if you cannot be there every Sunday. New members are always welcome in these classes!

Bioethics (Room 7):

Bioethics is a topic that concerns us all. This class will use Ruth Groenhout's book Bioethics: A Reformed Look at Life and Death Choices to explore biblical perspectives on complex issues such as abortion, assisted reproduction, euthanasia, and stem cell research.  Relevant questions include: How should I care for my aging parents? Is stem cell research OK or not? How can my church help a person with a chronic illness? When's the right time to remove a loved one from life support? John Verkade will lead discussion.

Sacred Rhythms (Room 8):

How do we deepen our relationship with God in the midst of our busy lives? Join others in learning more about spiritual disciplines such as praying with scripture, and the need for solitude, self-examination, discernment and Sabbath. We will use Ruth Haley Barton's book Sacred Rhythms: Arranging Our Lives for Spiritual Transformation. Elaine Oftedal will lead discussion.

Wisdom for God's People: Conversations about Proverbs (Room 9):

The book of Proverbs tells us to seek out and acquire wisdom no matter what the cost. But what is wisdom and what does this ancient collection have to teach us about it? Each week we will read from Proverbs together and discuss how to seek wisdom in the 21^st Century. David Schweingruber will lead discussion.

PAST SUNDAY SCHOOL CLASSES:

FROM FALL 2009

"He Heard Their Cry" (Room 9)

This is a six-week, video based course that explores the historical background of Israel's time in Egypt and Exodus from Egypt. We will use the new Ray Vander Laan videos. Led by Pastor Tom.

The Reason for God (Room 8):

Are you interested in talking to nonbelievers about your faith, but don't know how? Do you want to learn how to respond thoughtfully and lovingly to people who are angry about religion? Would you like to learn about some of the most common objections skeptics have about Christianity and how to respond to them? This class will discuss Tim Keller's book The Reason for God: Belief in an Age of Skepticism, which discusses common objections to Christianity and reasons to believe. Keller is the pastor of Redeemer Presbyterian church in New York City. David Schweingruber will lead the class.

Children & Communion/Faith Formation (Room 7):

Join us for a two-part study on faith formation. For the first five weeks, we will use Syd Hielema's Bible Study, 1 Corinthians 11 - A Practice of Christian Unity, to study the issue of children at the Lord's Table and the related issues of faith formation. Children and communion is an important current issue in our denomination now. After that, we will use Marva Dawn's book Is It a Lost Cause?: Having the Heart of God for the Church's Children. "Drawing on thirty years of experience working with young people in churches and schools, convocations and camps, Dawn examines some of the forces in our culture that harm our children's spiritual development and suggests biblically centered parenting and mentoring habits that are necessary for producing godly and faith-full children today." Jill Friend will lead the class.

FROM SPRING 2009

Helping Those Who Hurt:

Have you ever wondered what to say or do for a friend in crisis? How can we comfort and help those who hurt? Join us for a discussion about what to do and not do to help those facing difficult circumstances, whether it is death, divorce, abuse, addiction, depression or other family concerns. We will use H. Norman Wright's book Helping Those Who Hurt. Nancy Berns will help lead the discussion.

Soul Poison: Exposing Seven Deadly Sins:

All young adults (college age and up, single or married) are encouraged to join together to discuss seven deadly sins: pride, envy, anger, sloth, greed, gluttony and lust. Come see what Scripture has to say about these issues and how to apply Biblical truths to everyday life.

Jesus' Death and Resurrection:

Come experience the ancient times, places and customs of Jesus' day. Experience Jesus' death and resurrection through a fascinating video tour led by teacher and historian Ray Vander Laan. Discover insights into Scripture's significance for your life. This video is part of the wonderful That the World May Know series.

FROM FALL 2008

Parables:

One of the distinctive features of Jesus' teaching style was his use of parables--stories that shock us, puzzle us, and generally tease our brains into thinking in fresh ways about the Kingdom of God. Pastor Tom will lead this class.

Christian Perspectives on Public Policy:

Do you know how to be a good Christian citizen? This class will discuss how to respond to contemporary public policy issues according to Scripture rather than any particular political agenda. Some of the issues will include genocide, war, global AIDS, global warming, human trafficking, poverty, and environmentalism. The class will follow Steve Monsma's book Healing for a Broken World. Jeff Kopaska and Cassie and Andy Herringshaw will lead this class.

Financial Stewardship:

Do you want to make wiser decisions about money? This class follows Dave Ramsey's financial Peace University program. Every week the class will watch a DVD and have discussion on financial issues such as debt reduction, controlling spending habits, what types of insurance are necessary, and credit card spending. The cost of the membership kit is $93, but financial assistance is available if needed (call Amos). Clint Hertz will lead this class.

FROM SPRING 2008

Prophets (Room 8):

The study guide Hearing the Word of the Lord – The Prophets covers some highlights from the "writing prophets", both minor and major. Improved understanding of this part of the Bible can help us get a better grasp on other parts of Scripture and has application in our Christian walk today. Co-leaders are Marvin Bakker and Dave Schweingruber.

World Religions (Room 7)

World Religions is an introduction to the essential teachings of Judaism, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Confucianism. We will also discuss how we should relate to persons of these faiths. Pastor Tom will lead this class.

FROM FALL 2007

Restorative Justice (Room 7)

What does it mean to act justly? Does our sense of justice reflect the character of our God? Two years ago, Synod adopted the following: "That synod call our churches to preach and teach restorative justice as a biblical perspective and apply the principles of restorative justice to the problems of crime in our communities and countries." And "That synod encourage the active participation of churches and church members in restorative justice efforts in order to restore and reconcile victims and offenders where possible." (p. 761 in Acts of Synod). This fall there will be an adult Sunday school class on Restorative Justice to give our congregation a chance to understand what it is and how it might affect our understanding of justice. Nancy Berns will facilitate the class.

James (Room 8)

In a Bible study called Living on the Edge, William De Vries describes the book of James as written for Christians who need encouragement and direction. "We need to hold to our hope in Christ no matter what happens, for only then can we experience the deep peace that is pure joy." Join this Bible study to learn more about James' encouraging message. Joseph Yoder will facilitate the class.

FROM SPRING 2007

New Class Starting on March 18 (Room 7)

Pastor Tom will lead a 6-week survey of church history entitled This is Our Story.

Living the Good Life on God's Good Earth (Room 8)

This class will be facilitated by Randy Gabrielse.

The Bible Jesus Read (Room 7)

Join us for a 7-week class about the Old Testament based on Philip Yancey's video and book called The Bible Jesus Read. Each week will include a short video segment followed by discussion. Reading the book along with the video is optional. Andrew Oftedal will facilitate discussion.
[This course has now been completed]

Hard Questions summary document:

This document summarizes information discussed in a Fall, 2004 Sunday School class on “Answering Hard Questions About Our Faith” at Trinity CRC. Information on eight such questions was assembled by the members of that class. We sincerely hope it is useful to you. If you have any comments or questions, please feel free to contact Pastor Tom Niehof or John Verkade.

FROM FALL 2006

PASTOR'S CLASS (Pastor's office)

This class, on the basic beliefs and history of our church, is open to new members, those thinking about membership, and anyone who would simply like a refresher. Pastor Tom will lead this class in his study, which is next to the front entrance.

STEWARDSHIP AND MONEY (Room 7)

Do you want to learn more about integrating faith and your decisions about money? In his book Money: Mastering the Allure of Excess, Mark Vincent helps readers better understand the realities of affluence and consumerism, embrace a balanced lifestyle, and develop Biblical attitudes toward money. Ron Ackerman will facilitate this class.

INTELLIGENT DESIGN (Room 8)

Creation, evolution and intelligent design all address the question of life on earth. Intelligent design has been a prominent news topic during the past couple years. What does it stand for and how does it compare with creationism and evolution? Join our class, which will be facilitated by Jason DeBruin, for a discussion surrounding this topic.

FROM SPRING 2006

GENESIS DISCUSSION

This class will look at selected passages from Genesis chapters 12 through 50.

Finding Rest (Room 7)

Are you struggling to find peace and rest at home, in relationships, or at work? This class will seek ways to find more rest in our lives, reduce stress, and develop closer relationships. We will read scripture and Tim Kimmel's Little House on the Freeway: Help for the Hurried Home.

Jesus Resurrection (Room 9)

As we prepare for Easter this year, come learn more about Jesus' resurrection. This class will use a six-week video series by Tom Wright. In the series he discusses how Jesus' resurrection was understood in the first century, and by Paul and the Gospel writers, and its meaning for today.

FROM FALL 2005

Grace-Based Parenting (Room 7)

This class will read and discuss Dr. Tim Kimmel's book Grace-Based Parenting. Whether you are raising a baby, young child, or a teenager, this class will provide thought-provoking discussions and a supportive group to share concerns, stories, and prayers about parenting. Kimmel views parenting through the lens of God's grace as a way to create an environment for growing morally strong and spiritually motivated children. Susan and Bill Bokhoven and Fred and Julie Haan will facilitate this class.

Writing in the Spirit (Room 8)

If you have ever had an interest in writing, come and join us. We will write every week using Bible passages, Christian themes, and other written works to lead us. People will have an opportunity to share their pieces in class if they choose. Journals will be provided. Karen Gabrielse will facilitate this class.

Living Faith (Room 9)

This overview of the essentials of the Christian faith will follow a new video series by renowned New Testament scholar Tom Wright. The series "provides an accessible overview of the Christian faith, the Bible, church history and the relationship between Christianity and other religions." Dave Schweingruber will lead discussion.

FROM SPRING 2005

The Gospel of Matthew (Room 7)

The Gospel of Matthew was the favored Gospel in the early church and among New Testament scholars for about 1800 years. We will read it together and discuss what God is saying to us through it over the next fourteen weeks. Please bring your Bible and a notebook. Pastor Tom will lead this class.

Point Man (Room 9)

Point Man - striving to be a Christian husband and father in a secular world: This class will use the book Point Man, written by Steve Farrar, as the basis for discussion. While geared to husbands and fathers, both men and women are welcome to join the class. Joseph Yoder and Jim Hallihan will lead the discussion.

Chronicles of Narnia (by the fireplace in the Fellowship Hall)

This group will be reading and discussing the Chronicles of Narnia series written by C.S. Lewis.